Appliance support assembly

ABSTRACT

An appliance support assembly including a wall bracket is provided. The wall bracket has a channel-shaped body including first and second sides which are substantially perpendicular to each other, and a third side which connects the first and second sides. The first side includes a first mounting aperture, the second side includes a second mounting aperture, and the third side includes a third mounting aperture. Guide portions operatively associated with each of the first and second mounting apertures for guiding screws through the mounting apertures are provided. An arm is pivotably connected to the bracket about a first axis at a first end of the arm.

BACKGROUND

Pivoting wall mounted appliance supports are useful for mounting televisions or other appliances which are to be viewed or actuated. Such supports allow mounting of an appliance at a useable height without the use of furnishings which consume floor space.

Known wall mounted appliance supports include provisions for mounting on a flat wall surface. These known supports are typically fastened to a wall by driving screws through the support perpendicularly to the wall surface. However, mounting the known appliance supports to an inner corner of a wall presents a substantial challenge since the known supports do not have a shape which complements a wall inner corner. Further the known supports do not include mounting structure which allows their fastening to studs at a wall corner.

It would be desirable to provide an appliance support which could be interchangeably mounted at a wall corner or a flat portion of a wall.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides an appliance support assembly including a wall bracket. The wall bracket has a channel-shaped body including first and second sides which are substantially perpendicular to each other, and a third side which connects the first and second sides. The first side includes a first mounting aperture, the second side includes a second mounting aperture, and the third side includes a third mounting aperture. Guide portions operatively associated with each of the first and second mounting apertures for guiding screws through the mounting apertures are provided. An arm is pivotably connected to the bracket about a first axis at a first end of the arm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an appliance support assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded elevation view of the appliance support assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a wall bracket of the appliance support assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the wall bracket of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the wall bracket of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a partially sectioned elevation view of an arm of the appliance support assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the arm of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a pivot cone of the appliance support assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the pivot cone of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a section view of the pivot cone taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a section view of the pivot cone taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a first support platform of the appliance support assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the support platform of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of the support platform of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a cover of the appliance support assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 16 is a front elevational view of the cover of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a top plan section view of the wall bracket of FIG. 3 in an installed position at a wall corner.

FIG. 18 is a top plan section view of the wall bracket of FIG. 3 in an installed position on a flat wall.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart depicting a method for supporting an appliance according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not considered limiting. Words such as “front”, “back”, “top” and “bottom” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. This terminology includes the words specifically noted above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import. Additionally, the terms “a” and “one” are defined as including one or more of the referenced item unless specifically noted.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the drawing figures where like numerals represent like elements throughout.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, an appliance support assembly 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. The assembly 10 includes a wall bracket 12 for mounting on a wall. A first arm 40 and a second arm 50 are pivotably connected to the wall bracket 12. While two arms are shown, those skilled in the art will understand that one or more could be utilized, depending on the particular application. A cover 35 is preferably provided for concealing an open portion of the wall bracket 12.

Referring to FIGS. 3-5, the wall bracket 12 includes a channel-shaped body 14 having first and second sides 16 which are substantially perpendicular to each other, and a third side 18 which connects the first and second sides. The channel-shaped body 14 is preferably a formed sheet metal component. Alternatively, the body 14 may be constructed by any suitable method including casting, forging or sintering. The bracket 12 is preferably symmetrical about a symmetry line which extends the length of the channel-shaped body. Each of the first, second and third sides 16, 18 includes mounting apertures 20. Preferably, fourth and fifth sides 22 are also provided which include additional mounting apertures 20, each of which are aligned with one of the mounting apertures 20 on the first and second sides 16. Preferably, guide tubes 24 are attached, via welding or other suitable method, to the channel-shaped body 14 between the fourth side 22 and the first side 16, and also between the fifth side 22 and the second side 16. The guide tubes 24 are preferably parallel to each other and angled 45 degrees relative to the first and second surfaces. The tubes 24 are useful for guiding screws 26 through the mounting apertures 20 at a desirable angle and through studs positioned at a wall corner as well as for structural support to prevent undesirable bending of the fourth and fifth sides 22 as fasteners are installed.

The wall bracket 12 preferably also includes first, second, and third structural members 28,30,32 attached to the channel-shaped body 14. The structural members 28, 30, 32 are preferably separate sheet metal pieces welded to the channel-shaped body 14. Alternatively, the structural members 28, 30, 32 may be provided on the channel-shaped body 14 using any suitable method, such as by applying adhesive, casting or forging in place. The structural members 28, 30, 32 include openings 28A, 30A, 32A for receiving a bolt 38, as shown in FIG. 1, for pivotably connecting the first and second arms 40, 50 to the wall bracket 12. The third structural member 32 preferably includes a slot 32B for receiving a clip to connect with a corresponding portion of the cover 35.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the first arm 40 is shown. The first arm 40 includes a bushing 42 having an aperture 42A. An extending channel portion 44 includes holes 44A, 44B for receiving fasteners to attach a pivot cone 90 and a first support platform 60A, which is configured for pivotable connection to the pivot cone 90. The extending channel portion 44 is preferably constructed from one or more formed sheet metal components and welded to the bushing 42 to form the arm 40. Alternatively, the first arm 40 can be constructed by any suitable method such as casting or forging. Also, any suitable metallic or non-metallic materials can be used in producing the arm 40. The second arm 50 is proportioned differently from the first arm 40 and includes a bushing 52 preferably having a threaded hole 52A, but the second arm 50 is otherwise substantially identical to the first arm 40. The size and shape of the arms can be varied depending on the particular application.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-14, the pivot cone 90 includes an aperture 92 for receiving the channel portion 44 of the first arm 40 or the channel portion 54 of the second arm 50. A first hole 94 is provided to receive a fastener to attach the pivot cone to one of the first and second arms 40, 50. A second hole 96 is used to receive a fastener for securing the first support platform 60A to the first arm 40 or a second support platform 60B, generally the same as but proportionally smaller than the first support platform 60A, to the second arm 50. When the support assembly 10 is assembled, the recess 98 on the top portion of the cone 90 contacts semi-spherical protrusions 62A, 62B on one of the support platforms 60A, 60B. The pivot cone 90 can be cast, machined, forged, or otherwise manufactured by any suitable method. Also any suitable material, such as aluminum, steel, or a polymeric material, may be used in producing the pivot cone 90.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, a cover 35 is shown. The cover 35 is shaped to connect with the wall bracket 12 to conceal an open portion of the channel-shaped body 14. The cover includes an aperture 37 for allowing the first arm 40 to pass through when the arm 40 is attached to the wall bracket 12. While the cover 35 is preferred, it is not required.

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, the wall bracket 12 is shown in two installation configurations. FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional plan view of the wall bracket 12 installed in a wall corner. Fasteners 36 pass through the mounting apertures 20 on the first, second, fourth and fifth sides 16, 22, through the guide tubes 24, through wall board or plaster 80 and into studs 82. The positioning of the mounting apertures 20 and guide tubes 24 permits the wall bracket 12 to be securely attached to the studs 82 in a corner of a room due to the positioning of the apertures 20 in a position to guide the fasteners into the walls at an angle of about 30 to 60 degrees, and preferably about 45 degrees, so that the corner studs are engaged by the fasteners 36. This was not possible in the prior known brackets, where the fasteners are installed generally perpendicular to the wall surface. This also provides clearance for a screw driver or powered driver for installation of the fasteners 36 without the potential for damage to the adjacent wall surface, which commonly occurred in the past for corner wall brackets.

FIG. 18 shows a cross-sectional plan view of the wall bracket 12 installed on a flat wall surface. In this case, fasteners 36 pass through the apertures 20 on the third side 18 of the channel-shaped body 14, through the wall board or plaster 80 and through the stud 82.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the assembled support assembly 10 is shown. The bushing 42 of the first arm 40 is positioned between the first and second structural members 28 and 30 of the wall bracket 12 and pivotably attached thereto the bolt 38. The bolt 38 extends through openings 28A, 30A, 32A (shown in FIGS. 3 and 5) in the first, second, and third structural members 28, 30, 32 respectively. A threaded portion 38A of the bolt 38 connects with the threaded hole 52A of the bushing 52 to pivotably connect the second arm 50 to the wall bracket 12. Preferably, a plug 58 conceals the threaded hole 52A of the bushing 52. The cover 35 is connected to the wall bracket 12 over an open portion of the channel-shaped body 14 concealing the structural members 28, 30, 32 and the fasteners 36. One of the pivot cones 90 is attached to an end of each of the first and second pivot arms 40, 50. A screw 46 passes through the hole 94 in the cone 90 and a tapped insert 44C aligned with the hole 44B on the first arm 40 (See FIG. 6), to attach the cone 90 to the first arm 40. One of the pivot cones 90 is attached to the second arm 50 in a similar manner using the screw 56. One of the support platforms 60A, 60B is secured to each of the cones 90 on the first and second arms 40, 50. The semi-spherical protrusion 62A, 62B on the support platform 60A, 60B rests in the recess 98 of the cone 90. A screw 64 passes through the hole 96 to attach the support platform 60A, 60B to the pivot cone 90. Preferably, threaded finishing plugs 66 are provided which threadably connect with the screws 64 to attach the support platforms 60A, 60B to the cones 90. Preferably, the support platform 60A, 60B is pivotably attached to the cone 90 and may be rotated by a user about a rotational axis aligned with the cone centerline. The cone 90 has a diameter which is adequate to prevent the support platform from rocking or distorting under the application of normal loads associated with appliances.

The support assembly 10, as described, is useful for supporting appliances, especially appliances such as televisions which are to be viewed or accessed by users. For example, a television can be placed on the first support platform 60A on the arm 40 and adjusted by rotating the platform 60 about the pivot cone 90 or by rotating the arm 40 about the wall bracket 12. An additional appliance can be placed on the second support platform 60B on the arm 50, such as an appliance compatible with the appliance on the arm 40. For example, a DVD player or VCR could be placed on the second support platform 60B.

Referring to FIG. 19, a method 200 is provided for supporting an appliance. The method includes providing a wall bracket which includes a channel shaped body (step 202) having first and second sides which are substantially perpendicular to each other, and a third side which connects the first and second sides. The first side and second sides each include one or more mounting apertures. Guide portions are provided with the wall bracket (step 204), the guide portions being operatively associated with the mounting apertures for guiding screws through the mounting apertures in a predetermined direction, preferably at an angle of 30 to 60 degrees, and more preferably at an angle of 45 degrees relative to the first and second sides. A first member is provided (step 206) with the wall bracket positioned between the first and second sides of the channel and including a first opening. A second member is provided (step 206) with the wall bracket positioned between the first and second sides of the channel spaced from the first member and including a second opening aligned with the first opening. Preferably, a third member is also provided with the wall bracket. The third member is positioned between the first and second sides of the channel, spaced from the first and second members, and including a third opening aligned with the first and second openings. The method further includes positioning the wall bracket at an inner corner of a wall (step 208) and driving fasteners through the guide portions and their associated mounting apertures, and through the wall (step 210) to secure the bracket to the wall. An arm is pivotably connected to the one or more of the first and second members (step 212), and an appliance is connected to the arm (214). Preferably the method includes aligning a rod through the first and second openings and through the arm to connect the arm to the wall bracket. The method also preferably includes pivotably connecting a support platform to the arm to provide a surface for supporting the appliance. Also, a second arm is preferably pivotably connected to the wall bracket, and a second appliance is preferably connected thereon. Further, the connecting of the appliance preferably includes connecting a television, and the connecting of the second appliance includes connecting a DVD player or a VCR.

While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in detail above, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, which should be considered as merely exemplary. Further modifications and extensions of the present invention may be developed, and all such modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. 

1. A wall bracket for mounting an appliance, the wall bracket comprising: a channel-shaped body including first and second sides which are substantially perpendicular to each other, and a third side which connects the first and second sides, wherein the first side includes at least a first mounting aperture, the second side includes at least a second mounting aperture, and the third side includes at least a third mounting aperture; at least one guide portion operatively associated with each of the at least the first and the second mounting apertures for guiding screws through the mounting apertures; a first member positioned between the first and second sides of the channel including a first opening; and a second member positioned between the first and second sides of the channel spaced from the first member and including a second opening aligned with the first opening.
 2. The wall bracket according to claim 1, wherein the at least one guide portion includes a fourth side connected to the first side, the fourth side including at least a fourth mounting aperture for receiving a fastener therethrough.
 3. The wall bracket according to claim 2, wherein the at least the first and fourth mounting apertures are positioned to provide a path which is angled between about 30 and 60 degrees relative to the first side, and wherein the at least one guide portion further includes a fifth side connected to the second side, the fifth side including at least a fifth mounting aperture for receiving a fastener therethrough, wherein the at least the second and fifth mounting apertures are positioned to provide a path which is angled between about 30 and 60 degrees relative to the second side.
 4. The wall bracket according to claim 2, wherein the at least one guide portion further includes a fifth side connected to the second side, the fifth side including at least a fifth mounting aperture for receiving a fastener therethrough.
 5. The wall bracket according to claim 2, wherein the at least one guide portion further includes at least one tube connected to the first side over the at least the first aperture and the fourth side over the at least the fourth aperture of the channel-shaped body to create a passage between the at least the fourth aperture and the at least the first aperture.
 6. The wall bracket according to claim 1, wherein the at least one guide portion includes at least a first tube connected to the first side over the at least the first aperture, and at least a second tube generally parallel to the first tube connected to the second side over the at least the second aperture to form a passage through the each of the tubes.
 7. The wall bracket according to claim 1, wherein the first member includes sheet material positioned generally perpendicular to the first, the second and the third sides of the channel shaped body.
 8. The wall bracket according to claim 1, further comprising a third member positioned between the first and second sides of the channel including a third opening which is generally aligned with the first and second openings of the first and second members.
 9. The wall bracket according to claim 8, wherein at least one of the first member, the second member, and the third member further includes a fourth opening for forming a connection with a cover for at least partially concealing an open portion of the channel-shaped body.
 10. The wall bracket according to claim 1, wherein the channel shaped body includes sheet metal.
 11. An appliance support assembly comprising: a wall bracket comprising: a channel-shaped body including first and second sides which are substantially perpendicular to each other, and a third side which connects the first and second sides, wherein the first side includes at least a first mounting aperture, the second side includes at least a second mounting aperture, and the third side includes at least a third mounting aperture; at least one guide portion operatively associated with each of the at least the first and second mounting apertures for guiding fasteners through the mounting apertures at an angle between about 30 and 60 degrees relative to the first side and the second side respectively; and a first arm pivotably connected to the bracket about a first axis at a first end of the first arm.
 12. The appliance support assembly according to claim 11, wherein the wall bracket further comprises: a first member positioned between the first and second sides of the channel including a first opening; and a second member positioned between the first and second sides of the channel spaced from the first member and including a second opening; wherein the arm includes a through aperture at its first end, and wherein the support assembly further comprises a rod which extends through the first opening of the first member, the second opening of the second member, and the through aperture of the arm to form the pivotable connection between the arm and the bracket.
 13. The appliance support assembly according to claim 12, wherein the rod is cylindrical.
 14. The appliance support assembly according to claim 12, wherein the wall bracket further includes a third member positioned between the first and second sides of the channel including a third opening which is generally aligned with the first and second opening of the first and second members, wherein the rod extends through the third opening.
 15. The appliance support assembly according to claim 12, further comprising a cover connected to at least one of the first, second and third members which at least partially conceals an open portion of the channel-shaped body and which includes an open area through which the arm passes.
 16. The appliance support assembly according to claim 11, further comprising a first support platform connected to the first arm.
 17. The appliance support assembly according to claim 11, further comprising a second arm pivotably connected to the bracket about a second axis at a first end of the second arm, wherein the first and second axes are substantially aligned.
 18. The appliance support assembly according to claim 17, further comprising a first support platform connected to the first arm and a second support platform connected to the second arm.
 19. A method for supporting an appliance comprising: providing a wall bracket including: a channel-shaped body including first and second sides which are substantially perpendicular to each other, and a third side which connects the first and second sides, wherein the first side includes at least a first mounting aperture, the second side includes at least a second mounting aperture; at least one guide portion operatively associated with each of the at least the first and second mounting apertures for guiding fasteners through the mounting apertures at an angle between about 30 and 60 degrees relative to the first side and the second side respectively; a first member positioned between the first and second sides of the channel, including a first opening; and a second member positioned between the first and second sides of the channel spaced from the first member and including a second opening; positioning the wall bracket at an inner corner of a wall; driving at least a first fastener through the at least one guide portion operatively associated with the at least the first mounting aperture, through the at least the first mounting aperture and through the wall to attach the wall bracket to the wall; driving at least a second fastener through the at least one guide portion operatively associated with the at least the second mounting aperture, through the at least the second mounting aperture and through the wall to attach the wall bracket to the wall; pivotably connecting an arm to at least one of the first and the second members; and connecting an appliance to the arm.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the providing the at least one guide portion includes providing at least a first tube connected to the first side at the at least the first aperture, and providing at least a second tube connected to the second side at the at least the second aperture, and wherein the first and second tubes are substantially parallel.
 21. The method of claim 19, wherein the providing the at least one guide portion includes providing a fourth side including a fourth mounting aperture connected to the first side, and providing a fifth side including a fifth mounting aperture connected to the second side, and wherein the driving the at least one fastener includes driving a first fastener through the fourth mounting aperture and the first mounting aperture, and driving a second fastener through the fifth mounting aperture and the second mounting aperture generally parallel to the first fastener.
 22. The method of claim 19, further comprising covering an open portion of the channel with a cover.
 23. The method of claim 19, wherein the connecting an appliance to the arm includes connecting a television to the arm. 